I’ve always loved March Madness. The non-stop basketball for two weekends is obviously a great thing for a fan, let alone great while growing up with teachers that would let you watch the games the first Thursday and Friday. (As a kid, there’s nothing better than watching TV, let alone sports, at school.)

But even more than my love of James Naismith’s game, I’ve always loved March Madness because it usually ends in April. And April just happens to be the best month of the year.

In this space, I normally take on serious issues that face Goochland County. But this week, as my favorite event, the NCAA basketball tournament, culminated on my birthday, I was, for lack of a better description, drawn to take a step back.

The last year has been a big one for me, both professionally and personally. On the one hand, I’ve found my niche in Goochland, gotten to know many of the great people that call it home, and even managed to snag a promotion along the way. I’ve learned a great deal and continue to do so in my capacity as editor.

Personally, I’ve not only gained a year in terms of age but I’m now a homeowner. And if there’s a process that’ll make you long for the days of playing in the dirt and riding bikes, it’s buying a house, especially now as our economy seems to drift closer to that dreaded ‘R’ word.

I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that I’ve been blessed the past year and the 26 before it. And I know who to thank for those blessings.

I often tell the story of Willie Davis, a promising defensive back for the University of Virginia’s football team, who sustained a neck injury against South Carolina on Sept. 7, 2003. Though a sophomore, the devastating hit effectively ended his career on the spot.

One minute, he was a rising star, dubbed “WD40” by fans because of his initials and jersey number. The next minute, his entire career was over.

Three years after the incident, Davis talked to the Richmond Times-Dispatch about his experience and said something that will stick with me for the rest of my days.

“As you get older,” Davis said, “you realize that there’s a lot of things outside those 100 yards.”

Now, obviously, in terms of life experience, I’m nowhere near Willie Davis’ level. I was fortunate to grow up in the greatest country in the world with a set of All-American parents who would do anything and everything for their children. I was able to attend college, have (too much) fun, find something at which I excelled and make it my career.

Yet, for me, sports has always encapsulated the ‘story of life.’ And watching Kansas come from behind, on my birthday, to force overtime and win the NCAA title Monday, I couldn’t look past where I’ve been and, perhaps, where I’m going.

So to all of those who helped me along the way, you who made it possible for me to have too much fun, be it in Harrisonburg or Emporia, thank you. And to those who gave me the benefit of the doubt as a journalist, especially when I came to Goochland County, I thank you as well.

Davis was right. There’s a lot more to life than those 100 yards. And every year, I hope I can remember that. And there’s definitely no madness in that.